Today, feast your peepers on our launch game guide for the SEGA Dreamcast, which debuted nine years ago today. Power Stone, House of the Dead 2, Sonic Adventure, and more -- all scored and ready to help you start that Dreamcast collection that you should have actually put together in 1999 so SEGA would still be in the hardware business.
Read the nostalgia...
Originally published September 10, 1999: With 18 titles available on the Dreamcast from day one, all the early Dreamcast owners are going to have some tough choices to make on 9/9/99. Fear not, though! We at IGNDC have played through all the launch titles, and can give you, our lovely readers, the skinny (the smack, the low down, the word) on each and every one of 'em.
Read this guide twice before deciding upon your purchases. Print it out and carry it with you on 9/8/99 as you set up camp outside your local game store. Recite the quotes we've given for each game to a crowd of willfull listeners, and be sure and shout "Amen!" and "Praise the Dreamcast!" at the end of each sermon.
If, after reading the quote for a particular game, you find yourself interested, be sure and click the link below the picture to see the full review, complete with ratings for graphics, sound, playability, presentation, and lastability.
-- Anoop Gantayat
Fighting
PowerStone
"This game has been well tested; it's professionally refined in most every way, and you can see that in the little details. The levels with animated backgrounds and interactive areas are especially noticeable. Play through to the one with the meat grinder, the pirate ship, or the breakable windows, and you'll see what I mean. For any true fighting fan, PowerStone is a must-have Dreamcast game. Go get it."
-- Click here for the full PowerStone review...
Mortal Kombat Gold
"Mortal Kombat Gold is comparable to analyzing a tasty bag of Twizzlers. Sure it's sweet the first few times you delight in it's tasty red goodness, and it's cool for parties, but after a while you are left wanting something a little less red, with a whole lot more substance to it."
-- Click here for the full MK Gold review...
Soul Calibur
"It may or may not be the most complicated fighting game out there - I'm not bold enough to make such a statement. I am bold enough, though, to state that I've never had so much fun with a fighting game than I had when playing Soul Calibur. And can there possibly be any greater evidence that you're playing a brilliant game?"
-- Click here for the full Soul Calibur review...
Platformers
Sonic Adventure
"The bottom line is that SA is a great game, but it is just too far from perfection to be considered a must-have title for the casual gamer during the Dreamcast launch. Hardcore platforming fans would be stupid not to pick this title up however, as they've seen their share of the rough spots in gaming history, and will no doubt appreciate the flashes of brilliance Sonic displays when he's at his best. If you think you can deal, then pick this one up, if not, at least give it rental. It may surprise you."
-- Click here for the full Sonic Adventure review...
Action
Expendable
"While there was a lot Rage could have done to spruce up the experience, such as add a few more stages, throw in a couple additional cut scenes, and elaborate on the musical aspect a bit, Expendable is still a pretty good time waster."
-- Click here for the full Expendable review...
Adventure
Blue Stinger
"The problematic camera will detract some, and I have a few nitpicks regarding the control and voice acting, but Blue Stinger's puzzles, creature designs, over-the-top musical score, and incredible boss encounters make it a notable addition to the DC's lineup, and a definite buy for anyone looking for a cinematic adventure."
-- Click here for the full Blue Stinger review...
Racing
Trickstyle
"Easily one of the best racing games available on a console to date, and certainly my favorite out of a crowded opening day group, Trickstyle is certainly worth a look for any fan of alternative racing games, and has enough appeal to outlast its quirks. Give it a look."
-- Click here for the full Trickstyle review...
Hydro Thunder
"Once you get into the race, you'll probably be having a tremendous amount of fun - so much fun, in fact, that you'll find yourself looking past the interface issues just so that you can race again."
-- Click here for the full Hydro Thunder review...
Tokyo Xtreme Racer
Gamers looking for a full-on racing product, complete with multiple tracks, officially licensed cars, and changing weather conditions, can wait for SEGA Rally 2, but anyone looking for a fun, unique, addictive gameplay experience, will want to look into Tokyo Xtreme Racer.
-- Click here for the full Tokyo Xtreme review...
Flag to Flag
"While Monaco GP offers more realism in the simulation side of things, it is decidedly less fun for the casual gamer. Flag-To-Flag is geared with the casual gamer in mind, and will likely stand out as a prime choice early on in the Dreamcast's life."
-- Click here for the full Flag To Flag review...
Monaco Grand Prix 2
"Racing fans will find much to like about the game, from the lack of draw-in, as this often hampers relatively good racing efforts, to the sense of speed that the solid frame-rate conveys. Purist will miss the fact there is no official licenses associated with this title, though anyone wanting a terrific racing experience should not miss this one by any means"
-- Click here for the full MGP2 review...
Pen Pen TriIcelon
"If you like the characters, find yourself intrigued by the play mechanics, and you're interested in getting some four player simultaneous action going on launch day, take solace in the fact that the controls in Pen Pen TriIcelon are solid, and place it on your list of possible buys. For me, the game's just too short to warrant a full price purchase."
-- Click here for the full Pen Pen love-fest ...
TNN Motorsports Hardcore Heat
"Despite the fact that the game has many, many good points, my experience with TNN Motorsports Hardcore Heat was one more of frustration, rather than fun. And how am I supposed to recommend a product that will frustrate you into fowl language?"
-- Click here for the full TNN review...
Shooters
House of the Dead 2
"House of the Dead 2 does have more bang for the buck than most other gun games, and it also has faster gameplay, better enemy placement, and awesome surrounding atmosphere. Experienced gunmen would be silly to pass this one up; the inexperienced out there may want to take a look as well. For the love of God, though, PURCHASE THE GUN!"
-- Click here for the full HOTD2 review...
Air Force Delta
"AFD is an enjoyable, albeit very arcade experience, which many will find pure pleasure in playing. While it may not be the most gorgeous flight game on the system to date (those honors go to Aero Wings) it is the only combat flight simulation, and it is a damn good one to boot"
-- Click here for the full AFD review ...
Simulation
Aerowings
"Casual gamers can fly for fun, while serious minded folks can work their way through tons of missions with progressively harder objectives. I would say that makes for a pretty well balanced game, and that is always a feather in a game developer's cap."
-- Click here for the full Aerowings review...
Sports
NFL2K
"Never before has a game so accurately captured the experience of being on the field, and in fact, the game only real flaws come in to play because of the fact that it is so real, you notice little things that were never even an issue with gaming football in the past. In the end, 2K's positives far outweigh a few minor gripes, making it the definitive football title on the market today."
-- Click here for the full NFL2K review...
NFL Blitz 2000
"For the very first time ever, there is a NFL Blitz home conversion that is not missing one single iota of data, texture, polygons or frame-rate. This is extreme football at its best. This is NFL goodness in a turbo charged package. Ladies and gentleman, this is NFL Blitz 2000!"
-- Click here for the full Blitz review...
Ready 2 Rumble
"If you go out and get Ready 2 Rumble expecting a game that will amaze you with its depth and realism, you'll be in for a bit of a let-down. On the other hand, if you are in the mood to knock the piss out of your buddies in one of the most hilarious, addictive multi-player experiences ever to hit a console, then get off your can and pick this one up."
-- Click here for the full R2R review...
